Part 20 (2/2)

”Oh, isn't this too bad!” exclaimed Betty contritely ”I am sorry I spoke, and raised false hopes But I remembered that mark on Amy's arm----”

”Well, better luck next tiirls will continue to be on the lookout----”

”We'll do all we can for you,” said Mollie, A she had so parents or relatives, whoever they ht be

Mr Blackford, who had been in Deepdale a few days before setting out for the cae

”Did you hear anything as to why Mr Jallow brought his folks up here?”

asked Grace

”Nothing definite--no There was talk that they had co as to why I wondered if it had anything to do with the dispute over the land”

”We think so, but we can't be sure,” said Will ”I have written to father about it, and he has asked us to be on our guard Jallow et more land away from dad”

”Oh, I wish this unpleasant dispute was all over!” sighed Grace ”It makes it so uncertain!”

”Well, don't worry,” advised Allen ”We're having a good tiet what I've sent for,” said Will mysteriously

”What is it?” asked Grace ”Another box of chocolates?”

”Nonsense! Always chocolates!” cried her brother ”No, this is better

Did you inquire about it when you were in town, Mr Blackford?” for Will had been corresponding with the young man

”Yes, and they said it would be shi+pped this week”

”Good! Then I'll get it next, and we'll astonish the girls”

”Mean thing--not to tell!” pouted Grace But Will was obdurate

The storht, and part of the next day The snoas so deep that skating and ice boating were out of the question But the young people could go on sledding excursions, which they did, Mr

Franklin furnishi+ng the horses and sleigh

This was a new kind of fun, and was enjoyed to the utoing to informal dances afterward Mr Blackford stayed, and as he could do little business while thus snow-bound he eirls were glad to have hiah the young folks often went off in the woods, they had no further clashes with the Jallows They did not call on their rivals, though Mrs Jallow, irls once or twice, pressed them to come

”But she just wants to ask us questions about father's business,”

decided Grace ”We'll not go”

And they did not, for it would have been eirls had a sight of Hank S line between the two properties, but he said nothing, and his dog growled The girls were careful to keep on Mr Ford's land

Then caain

Much of the snoashed away, and the boys and girls had to stay in their cabins most of the time Then it was that Mr Blackford proved his worth, for he was a royal entertainer, and when he ran out of tricks and gas to interest theirl--whoever she is, if he takes her to live with hi of enjoyreed Mollie ”He's almost as nice as--Allen--isn't he?”